Rural Pathfinders

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the terms of reference of the Rural Pathfinder for the Peak District are; which other agencies are involved in its work; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: As set out in the "pathfinders prospectus" published in March 2005, a copy of which has been made available in the Library of the House, the overall aim of the rural delivery pathfinders is to explore and test opportunities for more joined up, flexible and effective approaches to rural delivery at a local level. This includes innovation in rural development and delivery of services in rural areas, and better prioritisation of existing resources, in line with local priorities, towards areas, communities and people with the greatest needs. The prospectus sets out in more detail the overarching framework within which all pathfinders, including the one in the Peak District Rural Action Zone, are operating.
	In the Peak District RAZ pathfinder, the focus is on access to services with particular emphasis on access to support a sustainable rural economy and community regeneration. Local priorities for action include affordable housing, sustainable tourism, promoting local distinctiveness, learning and skills, and enhancing and sustaining a high quality environment. More detail can be found in the outline business plan published at the pathfinders launch on 14 March 2005 (and to be found at http://wwwdefra.gov.uk/rural/ruraldelivery/pathfinders/default.htm)
	From the outset the pathfinder has aimed for an inclusive approach; the cross-border nature of the area makes this imperative. The steering group formed to oversee the preparatory work for the pathfinder involves two Local Strategic Partnerships (Derbyshire and Staffordshire), six local authorities, a National Park Authority, a sub-regional Strategic Partnership, the voluntary and community sector, representation from the Natural England confederation, a Rural Community Council, a Government Office and RDA. further linkages are being developed with other partners within the East and West Midlands.
	The pathfinders represent a key element of DEFRA's agenda to ensure that decisions on service delivery can be taken closer to the customer. We have people employed in agriculture as follows, again using the current Countryside Agency classification of rural and urban districts:
	
		
			  Rural districts Urban districts All districts 
		
		
			 1997 311,842 81,263 393,105 
			 1998 315,396 81,161 396,557 
			 1999 302,002 77,016 379,018 
			 2000 298,141 76,147 374,288 
			 2001 307,898 78,866 386,764 
			 2002 295,326 76,498 371,824 
			 2003 282,516 71,865 354,381 
			 2004 292,783 74,707 367,490 
		
	
	Source:
	June Agricultural and Horticultural Survey, DEFRA
	These figures show that the labour force on agricultural holdings decreased by 6 per cent. between 1997 and 2004.
	Defra will very shortly publish a new urban/rural classification of local authorities districts which will enable a more detailed analysis of rural and urban statistical data. The table included in this written answer will be recreated using the new classification when this is published and I will write to the hon. Member with this information.